Man standing on stage making presentation.

Common, sustainable trade competition policy needed for N.A.

Economist says strong North American leaders are the missing key to better trade

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has bumped investment and trade in North America since its implementation, but more needs to be done to boost the region’s competiveness, an economist told delegates at the Canola Council of Canada’s conference in San Antonio in late February. “Trade and investment flows in North America have been […] Read more

Man talking on stage.

Saddle up

Demand for better quality food in Asia creates major opportunity, growth

If you’re wondering where the opportunities are in the global food economy, you need to follow the fast food joints, says an agricultural economist. A new McDonald’s pops up in a typical day in China, as does a Kentucky Fried Chicken. These quick service restaurants need a steady supply of safe, uniform food, such as […] Read more


Barley seeds in a petri dish.

Three good reasons to test seed lots now

Don’t let last year’s problems become next year’s problems. Test your seed before it’s too late

The 2013 growing season is over, but it will linger well into the next growing season. Why? Because seed quality for next year’s crop is very dependent on conditions experienced in the previous year. The top three reasons to test seed are to know more about germination, vigour and disease levels. “2013 produced what looks […] Read more

View of a farmer's field from the cab of a combine.

Planning ahead for fertility

With consistently higher yields, many farmers across North America are neglecting the basics: nutrient replacement

When agrologist Matt Gosling visited Chris Dennison in New Zealand he wanted to know how Dennison had become the world record holder for wheat production. Dennison answered the question in a simple word: replacement. When it comes to soil nutrition, Gosling has a similar philosophy: farmers should be monitoring soil status and replacing the nutrients they […] Read more


Snow-skier cresting a hill about to wipe out.

Life’s secrets, according to you…

People of the world, tell me this — what’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done? Part One


I share this story for one (or both) of the following reasons: It makes me out to be classy and sophisticated. Obviously. In case you happen to be having a crappy day my hopes are that this will make you laugh. Now where were we? Oh, right. The chairlift incident… it still gives me the […] Read more

Railway tracks extending into the horizon.

Moving the grain

Prairie farmers are dealing with a bin-busting bumper crop this year. But moving that grain
 is easier said than done

When it comes to moving grain through a cramped system, farmers and grain elevators have more control than they might realize, says a transportation manager. And a lot of it comes down to reliability. “I want to be that preferred shipper. I want to be that farmer that when they say they need stuff moving, they […] Read more


Field with crop and grasses

Ergot on the rise in Western Canada

Ergot levels have been increasing since 2010. Ergot infection could mean downgraded quality or even rejection

According to the 2013 producer harvest samples collected and analyzed by the Grain Research Lab (GRL) at the Canadian Grain Commission, 18 per cent of Canadian Western Red Spring wheat samples and 10.7 per cent of the Canadian Western Amber durum samples received from across Western Canada by mid-October were downgraded due to ergot. According […] Read more

OYF nationals back in Regina

Once again successful young farmers from across the country will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony

THE NOMINEES, 2013 British Columbia: Troy and Sara Harker Alberta: Michael Kalisvaart and Karen Jansen Saskatchewan: Chad and Darlene Krikau Manitoba: Tyler and Dorelle Fulton Ontario: Dana and Adam Thatcher Quebec: Luc Gervais and Kim Brunelle Atlantic Canada: James and Amanda Kinsman, Nova Scotia About 150 alumni as well as Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) nominees […] Read more


B.C. growers add value

What’s good for other Okanagan growers is good for Harker’s Organics is how Troy and Sara Harker view the role of their diversified organic farming operation in south Central B.C. If they can help other growers find a market and add value to their products that also helps strengthen the Harkers’ own farm retail, wholesale […] Read more

Diversifying an Alberta farm

“If you’re not growing you’re falling behind,” is an appropriate motto for how Michael Kalisvaart has managed his Edmonton, Alta.-area farm over the past 20 years. When it became clear the economics just weren’t behind the long-time, family-run farrow-to-finish hog operation, he launched out in the mid-1990s to build a straight grain and oilseed cropping […] Read more


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